The Interaction of Katabatic Flow and Mountain Waves. Part II: Case Study Analysis and Conceptual Model

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1857-1879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory S. Poulos ◽  
James E. Bossert ◽  
Thomas B. McKee ◽  
Roger A. Pielke
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Wave Breaking ◽  
Gradient Force ◽  
Pressure Gradient Force ◽  
Wave System ◽  
Katabatic Flow ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Wave Evolution

Via numerical analysis of detailed simulations of an early September 1993 case night, the authors develop a conceptual model of the interaction of katabatic flow in the nocturnal boundary layer with mountain waves (MKI). A companion paper (Part I) describes the synoptic and mesoscale observations of the case night from the Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) experiment and idealized numerical simulations that manifest components of the conceptual model of MKI presented herein. The reader is also referred to Part I for detailed scientific background and motivation. The interaction of these phenomena is complicated and nonlinear since the amplitude, wavelength, and vertical structure of the mountain-wave system developed by flow over the barrier owes some portion of its morphology to the evolving atmospheric stability in which the drainage flows develop. Simultaneously, katabatic flows are impacted by the topographically induced gravity wave evolution, which may include significantly changing wavelength, amplitude, flow magnitude, and wave breaking behavior. In addition to effects caused by turbulence (including scouring), perturbations to the leeside gravity wave structure at altitudes physically distant from the surface-based katabatic flow layer can be reflected in the katabatic flow by transmission through the atmospheric column. The simulations show that the evolution of atmospheric structure aloft can create local variability in the surface pressure gradient force governing katabatic flow. Variability is found to occur on two scales, on the meso-β due to evolution of the mountain-wave system on the order of one hour, and on the microscale due to rapid wave evolution (short wavelength) and wave breaking–induced fluctuations. It is proposed that the MKI mechanism explains a portion of the variability in observational records of katabatic flow.

scholarly journals The Midlatitude Lower-Stratospheric Mountain Wave “Valve Layer”

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (12) ◽  
pp. 5081-5100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher G. Kruse ◽  
Ronald B. Smith ◽  
Stephen D. Eckermann
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Momentum Flux ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Wave Attenuation ◽  
Wave Drag ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Stratospheric Polar Vortex ◽  
Mountain Waves

Abstract The vertical propagation and attenuation of mountain waves launched by New Zealand terrain during the Deep Propagating Gravity Wave Experiment (DEEPWAVE) field campaign are investigated. New Zealand mountain waves were frequently attenuated in a lower-stratospheric weak wind layer between z = 15 and 25 km. This layer is termed a “valve layer,” as conditions within this layer (primarily minimum wind speed) control mountain wave momentum flux through it, analogous to a valve controlling mass flux through a pipe. This valve layer is a climatological feature in the wintertime midlatitude lower stratosphere above the subtropical jet. Mountain wave dynamics within this valve layer are studied using realistic Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations that were extensively validated against research aircraft, radiosonde, and satellite observations. Locally, wave attenuation is horizontally and vertically inhomogeneous, evidenced by numerous regions with wave-induced low Richardson numbers and potential vorticity generation. WRF-simulated gravity wave drag (GWD) is peaked in the valve layer, and momentum flux transmitted through this layer is well approximated by a cubic function of minimum ambient wind speed within it, consistent with linear saturation theory. Valve-layer GWD within the well-validated WRF simulations was 3–6 times larger than that parameterized within MERRA. Previous research suggests increasing parameterized orographic GWD (performed in MERRA2) decreases the stratospheric polar vortex strength by altering planetary wave propagation and drag. The results reported here suggest carefully increasing orographic GWD is warranted, which may help to ameliorate the common cold-pole problem in chemistry–climate models.

scholarly journals Numerical simulation of mountain waves over the southern Andes, Part 2: Momentum fluxes and wave/mean-flow interactions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Fritts ◽  
Thomas S. Lund ◽  
Kam Wan ◽  
Han-Li Liu
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Acoustic Waves ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Southern Andes ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Momentum Fluxes ◽  
Flow Interactions

AbstractA companion paper by Lund et al. (2020) employed a compressible model to describe the evolution of mountain waves arising due to increasing flow with time over the Southern Andes, their breaking, secondary gravity waves and acoustic waves arising from these dynamics, and their local responses. This paper describes the mountain wave, secondary gravity wave, and acoustic wave vertical fluxes of horizontal momentum, and the local and large-scale three-dimensional responses to gravity breaking and wave/mean-flow interactions accompanying this event. Mountain wave and secondary gravity wave momentum fluxes and deposition vary strongly in space and time due to variable large-scale winds and spatially-localized mountain wave and secondary gravity wave responses. Mountain wave instabilities accompanying breaking induce strong, local, largely-zonal forcing. Secondary gravity waves arising from mountain wave breaking also interact strongly with large-scale winds at altitudes above ~80km. Together, these mountain wave and secondary gravity wave interactions reveal systematic gravity-wave/mean-flow interactions having implications for both mean and tidal forcing and feedbacks. Acoustic waves likewise achieve large momentum fluxes, but typically imply significant responses only at much higher altitudes.

Isobaric Height Perturbations Associated with Mountain Waves Measured by Aircraft during the Terrain-Induced Rotor Experiment

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1825-1834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Parish ◽  
Larry D. Oolman
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Gradient Force ◽  
Pressure Gradient Force ◽  
Differential Gps ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Horizontal Pressure Gradient ◽  
Rotor Experiment ◽  
Horizontal Pressure ◽  
Forcing Mechanisms

Abstract It has only been in the last few years that accurate measurement of the horizontal pressure gradient has been possible over complex terrain using an airborne platform. To infer forcing mechanisms for the wind, an independent measure of the height of an isobaric surface is required. Differential GPS analyses have enabled determination of the aircraft height with sufficient accuracy to infer isobaric heights. When coupled with an accurate measurement of static pressure, the horizontal pressure field can be determined. To demonstrate this measurement technique, research flight legs by the University of Wyoming King Air (UWKA) conducted in support of the Terrain-Induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX) in March and April 2006 are examined. UWKA flights conducted on 14 and 25 March and 16 April 2006 encountered strong mountain waves in response to winds directed primarily normal to the Sierra Nevada ridgeline. Winds at flight level showed pronounced variation that suggested topographic influence. The magnitude of isobaric height perturbations along UWKA flight tracks obtained using differential GPS during case study days of 14 and 25 March and 16 April are shown to exceed 70 m, corresponding to horizontal pressure perturbations greater than 4 hPa. Measurements suggest that changes in wind speed are linked primarily to the perturbation height field and that the flow can be classified as Eulerian, implying that Coriolis accelerations are negligible and flows respond to the horizontal pressure gradient force.

Wave evolution over a gradual slope with turbulent friction

1983 ◽  
Vol 133 ◽  
pp. 207-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Miles
Keyword(s):  
Friction Coefficient ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Solitary Waves ◽  
Periodic Sequence ◽  
Relative Amplitude ◽  
Sinusoidal Wave ◽  
Turbulent Friction ◽  
Weakly Nonlinear ◽  
Wave Evolution

The evolution of a weakly nonlinear, weakly dispersive gravity wave in water of depth d over a bottom of gradual slope δ and Chezy friction coefficient Cf is studied. It is found that an initially sinusoidal wave evolves into a periodic sequence of solitary waves with relative amplitude a/d = α1 = 15δ/4Cf if α1 < αb, where αb is the relative amplitude above which breaking occurs. This prediction is supported by observations (Wells 1978) of the evolution of swell over mudflats.

scholarly journals Sensitivity of Hurricane Intensity Forecast to Convective Momentum Transport Parameterization

2006 ◽  
Vol 134 (2) ◽  
pp. 664-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jongil Han ◽  
Hua-Lu Pan
Keyword(s):  
Wind Shear ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Momentum Transport ◽  
Gradient Force ◽  
Pressure Gradient Force ◽  
Momentum Exchange ◽  
Forecast System ◽  
Hurricane Intensity ◽  
Convective Momentum Transport ◽  
The Many

Abstract A parameterization of the convection-induced pressure gradient force (PGF) in convective momentum transport (CMT) is tested for hurricane intensity forecasting using NCEP's operational Global Forecast System (GFS) and its nested Regional Spectral Model (RSM). In the parameterization the PGF is assumed to be proportional to the product of the cloud mass flux and vertical wind shear. Compared to control forecasts using the present operational GFS and RSM where the PGF effect in CMT is taken into account empirically, the new PGF parameterization helps increase hurricane intensity by reducing the vertical momentum exchange, giving rise to a closer comparison to the observations. In addition, the new PGF parameterization forecasts not only show more realistically organized precipitation patterns with enhanced hurricane intensity but also reduce the forecast track error. Nevertheless, the model forecasts with the new PGF parameterization still largely underpredict the observed intensity. One of the many possible reasons for the large underprediction may be the absence of hurricane initialization in the models.

scholarly journals Temporal evolution of the momentum balance terms and frictional adjustment observed over the inner shelf during a storm

Ocean Science ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Grifoll ◽  
A. L. Aretxabaleta ◽  
J. L. Pelegrí ◽  
M. Espino
Keyword(s):  
Coriolis Force ◽  
Wind Stress ◽  
Water Depth ◽  
Momentum Balance ◽  
Wave Radiation ◽  
Gradient Force ◽  
Pressure Gradient Force ◽  
Inner Shelf ◽  
Coastal Waves ◽  
Nw Mediterranean

Abstract. We investigate the rapidly changing equilibrium between the momentum sources and sinks during the passage of a single two-peak storm over the Catalan inner shelf (NW Mediterranean Sea). Velocity measurements at 24 m water depth are taken as representative of the inner shelf, and the cross-shelf variability is explored with measurements at 50 m water depth. During both wind pulses, the flow accelerated at 24 m until shortly after the wind maxima, when the bottom stress was able to compensate for the wind stress. Concurrently, the sea level also responded, with the pressure-gradient force opposing the wind stress. Before, during and after the second wind pulse, there were velocity fluctuations with both super- and sub-inertial periods likely associated with transient coastal waves. Throughout the storm, the Coriolis force and wave radiation stresses were relatively unimportant in the along-shelf momentum balance. The frictional adjustment timescale was around 10 h, consistent with the e-folding time obtained from bottom drag parameterizations. The momentum evolution at 50 m showed a larger influence of the Coriolis force at the expense of a decreased frictional relevance, typical in the transition from the inner to the mid-shelf.

scholarly journals Atmospheric Conditions during the Deep Propagating Gravity Wave Experiment (DEEPWAVE)

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (10) ◽  
pp. 4249-4275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Gisinger ◽  
Andreas Dörnbrack ◽  
Vivien Matthias ◽  
James D. Doyle ◽  
Stephen D. Eckermann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Gravity Wave ◽  
Inversion Layer ◽  
Polar Vortex ◽  
Polar Front ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Wave Experiment ◽  
Stratospheric Wind ◽  
Antarctic Polar Vortex

This paper describes the results of a comprehensive analysis of the atmospheric conditions during the Deep Propagating Gravity Wave Experiment (DEEPWAVE) campaign in austral winter 2014. Different datasets and diagnostics are combined to characterize the background atmosphere from the troposphere to the upper mesosphere. How weather regimes and the atmospheric state compare to climatological conditions is reported upon and how they relate to the airborne and ground-based gravity wave observations is also explored. Key results of this study are the dominance of tropospheric blocking situations and low-level southwesterly flows over New Zealand during June–August 2014. A varying tropopause inversion layer was found to be connected to varying vertical energy fluxes and is, therefore, an important feature with respect to wave reflection. The subtropical jet was frequently diverted south from its climatological position at 30°S and was most often involved in strong forcing events of mountain waves at the Southern Alps. The polar front jet was typically responsible for moderate and weak tropospheric forcing of mountain waves. The stratospheric planetary wave activity amplified in July leading to a displacement of the Antarctic polar vortex. This reduced the stratospheric wind minimum by about 10 m s−1 above New Zealand making breaking of large-amplitude gravity waves more likely. Satellite observations in the upper stratosphere revealed that orographic gravity wave variances for 2014 were largest in May–July (i.e., the period of the DEEPWAVE field phase).

scholarly journals Nondissipative and Dissipative Momentum Deposition by Mountain Wave Events in Sheared Environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 2721-2740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher G. Kruse ◽  
Ronald B. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Vertical Wind Shear ◽  
Mountain Wave ◽  
Subsequent Evolution ◽  
Event Duration ◽  
Mountain Waves ◽  
Vertical Dispersion ◽  
Nonlinear Transient

AbstractMountain waves (MWs) are generated during episodic cross-barrier flow over broad-spectrum terrain. However, most MW drag parameterizations neglect transient, broad-spectrum dynamics. Here, the influences of these dynamics on both nondissipative and dissipative momentum deposition by MW events are quantified in a 2D, horizontally periodic idealized framework. The influences of the MW spectrum, vertical wind shear, and forcing duration are investigated. MW events are studied using three numerical models—the nonlinear, transient WRF Model; a linear, quasi-transient Fourier-ray model; and an optimally tuned Lindzen-type saturation parameterization—allowing quantification of total, nondissipative, and dissipative MW-induced decelerations, respectively. Additionally, a pseudomomentum diagnostic is used to estimate nondissipative decelerations within the WRF solutions. For broad-spectrum MWs, vertical dispersion controls spectrum evolution aloft. Short MWs propagate upward quickly and break first at the highest altitudes. Subsequently, the arrival of additional longer MWs allows breaking at lower altitudes because of their greater contribution to u variance. As a result, minimum breaking levels descend with time and event duration. In zero- and positive-shear environments, this descent is not smooth but proceeds downward in steps as a result of vertically recurring steepening levels. Nondissipative decelerations are nonnegligible and influence an MW’s approach to breaking, but breaking and dissipative decelerations quickly develop and dominate the subsequent evolution. Comparison of the three model solutions suggests that the conventional instant propagation and monochromatic parameterization assumptions lead to too much MW drag at too low an altitude.

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